SynthFest France 2025: FCPro Audio Play 8 Tools is a new MIDI-controllable 8-channel audio router box with a built-in DI box.
Audio switchers are small tools that allow you to switch quickly between synths, drum machines, etc, without rewiring them. The Franklin SS-6 started a trend in this area. This year at NAMM, Heritage Audio showcased the Synth Buddy, a similar concept but without a built-in DI box.
At SynthFest France 2025, the Italian company FC Pro Audio presented several new products in the Mixthesizer series, including an audio switch called Play 8 Tools.
FCPro Audio Play 8 Tools
Play 8 Tools is a new desktop audio switcher box with a built-in pre-amplifier. FCPro Audio Play 8 Tools features eight balanced stereo (TRS) inputs, for a total of 16 mono inputs. The inputs can be used in mono or stereo configuration.
Each channel offers an analog pre-amplifier with gain control. The hardware’s LED meter gives instant feedback on the levels. Next to the inputs, you have a balanced stereo main output and a balanced stereo XLR output (L/R) with DI and ground lift switches (earth/DI).
Unlike the Herritage Audio Synth Buddy, the FCPro Audio Play 8 Tools is a DI box.
Then, on the front panel, you have a line-level headphone output and a PFL input/output to share a single headphone with multiple devices. Plus, you can use the HP amp output to daisy chain a second Play 8 Tools, giving you a 16-channel router.
There are also independent master and headphone volume controls on the main panel.
A highlight of the new Play 8 Tools is how you can switch the channels. Either manually, using the switch knob or via MIDI or the footswitch input on the backside. This allows you to easily change instruments in the studio or live via MIDI program changes.
On top of that, you can also customize the input selection sequence. In the default configuration, it switches from 1 to 8, but you can also change to a different sequence. It ships in a robust design with a metal front panel and wooden side panels.
First Impression
The new Play 8 Tools looks like a very exciting audio switcher, mainly because it’s MIDI-controllable. It’s more expensive than the Franklin, but it offers two more channels, MIDI and other add-ons.
FCPro Audio Play 8 Tools will be available in May 2025 for around 600€.
More information here: FCPro Audio
Be the first to comment